In 1924, a boy named Johnny, who loved to play basketball, completed the eighth grade in a small rural school. His father, rich in love but short on money for a graduation gift, gave Johnny a card on which he had written his own 7-point creed, which he encouraged his son to start following daily. Three of the points were: Drink deeply from good books, especially the Bible. Make each day your masterpiece. Pray for guidance, and give thanks for your blessings every day. Jesus, in what we often call the Lordís Prayer (Matt. 6:9-13), taught us to approach our heavenly Father each day; itís not something to be said once and forgotten. Through it we offer God praise (v.9); seek His kingdom and His will (v.10); trust His provision (v.11); and ask for His forgiveness, power, and deliverance (vv.12-13). Throughout his life, Johnny sought the Lordís strength to live each day for Him. He became a three-time All-American basketball player at Purdue University and one of the greatest college coaches of all time. When Coach John Wooden died at the age of 99, he was honored most of all for his character, his faith, and the many lives he touched. By Godís grace, may we make each day our masterpiece for Him.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the blessing and privilege of being able to drink deeply from Your Word. Give me guidance as I seek You. I want to know You and to have my life bring a smile to Your face.